(UN) Known Project – on the banks of freedom art installation

This public art installation honors both those who endured slavery and their descendants who continue to work toward healing and equality. The project’s centerpiece, On the Banks of Freedom, features two limestone benches engraved with the names of enslaved individuals interspersed with the word “unknown,” symbolizing those whose stories are lost to history.

Surrounding the benches, a walkway dotted with the footprints of 20 Black Louisville elders honors the ongoing legacy of local leaders. During your visit, the Footprints Through Time augmented reality experience shares narratives of enslavement, Black strength, and cultural heritage. Headphones recommended.

The entire installation is on the banks of the Ohio River, the dividing line between enslavement and freedom in the antebellum South.

Accessibility: Parts of the Riverwalk are uneven, which may pose some challenges for those with mobility concerns. The paved pathway includes a cut curb for accessibility.